UK crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) are once again closing in on Britain's most wanted who are believed to be on the run in Spain. [21 February 2011]

Ten new appeals, which include some of the UK's most dangerous individuals, were revealed today in Alicante, an area with a large British ex-patriate community and a potential hideout for fugitives on the run from British law enforcement.

Scots on list

Of the ten, three of the individuals have links to Scotland.  

• Derek McGraw FERGUSON born 10/01/1964 in Glasgow is sought in connection with the murder of Thomas Cameron on 28 June 2007 at the Auchinairn Tavern, Bishopbriggs near Glasgow.
• William Thomas Robert PATERSON / PATTERSON, born 10/09/1979 in Glasgow is sought in connection with the murder of Kevin Carroll, also known as McCabe. Carroll was repeatedly shot in the car park of ASDA supermarket, Robroyston, Glasgow.
• Andrew Mark SPOONER born 16/12/1969 in Leicester is wanted for prosecution following failure to appear at Glasgow High Court for drugs (MDMA) offences on the 10th September 2001. He had been arrested on the 24th October 2000 in Edinburgh.

See all of the ten on Most Wanted

Can you help?

Kate Johnston, National Manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “The public is one of the greatest weapons in the fight against crime, and once again we are asking the public in Scotland to help track down most wanted individuals who are sought in connection with some violent, sexual and highly organised crimes. We’ve continually had an overwhelming response to this campaign, resulting in over 500 pieces of useful information on the fugitives sought. You can view all the appeals on the most wanted section of Crimestoppers’ website and if you know anything about the individuals please contact Crimestoppers. No one will ever know who you are and you will not go to court. Contact us on 0800 555 111 or through our website.”

What is Operation Captura?

Operation Captura is the successful multi-agency campaign which identifies individuals on the run in Spain who are wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for serious crimes committed in the UK. Since the campaign launched in October 2006, there have been 50 appeals; 38 of whom have been arrested. Many of these are now serving lengthy prison sentences for their crimes which range from drug trafficking to sex crimes to murder.

Crimestoppers and SOCA work closely with the British Embassy in Madrid and British and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on individuals facing prosecution in the UK who have European Arrest Warrants issued against them. Information given to Crimestoppers anonymously can help locate these criminals so that arrests can be carried out by Spanish law enforcement.

Contact Crimestoppers

Calls to the Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number are answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents and a translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the online Giving Information form on this website. Those in the UK should call 0800 555 111.

Scotland Crimestoppers successes

Scotland Crimestoppers has seen tremendous results in recent years as the charity continues its work to crack down on crime in the region. In the last year Crimestoppers has received 10155 actionable calls from members of the public which has led to 527 arrests in Scotland thanks to Crimestoppers information.